TOYOTA NEWS AND FEATURES 28 SEPTEMBER 2018

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Toyota welcomes the UK’s latest hydrogen filling station

The UK’s hydrogen power infrastructure continues to grow with the opening of a new hydrogen fuel filling station in Swindon. The facility, located at Johnson Matthey’s premises in Swindon, is the seventh to be launched by energy storage and clean fuel company ITM Power. Its location in the M4 corridor helps build a chain of hydrogen fuel sites that extends from Rainham in Essex to London and north to Rotherham and the Orkney Islands.

The site is open now for public and private fleets operating fuel cell electric vehicles such as the Toyota Mirai fuel cell saloon. The station generates its hydrogen on-site, so no deliveries are required. Its electricity supply is via a renewable energy contract. It is the first of two UK stations to be deployed as part of the pan-European H2ME2 project, funded by the European Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles. A second station is due to open at Gatwick Airport before the end of the year.

Paul Van Der Burgh, Toyota GB President and Managing Director, welcomed the opening of the new Swindon operation: “The opening of this new ITM Power facility establishes a valuable, strategic link in the development of the UK’s hydrogen fuel infrastructure. We welcome it not only as a benefit to drivers of the Toyota Mirai, but also as another step towards realising the wider benefits of hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy in the future – a key mission for Toyota globally.” Pictures are available here.

Innovation theme for Paris Motor Show

Innovation is the core theme for Toyota’s packed presentation at the Paris Motor Show, with the world debut of the all-new, British-built Corolla Touring Sports leading the line-up. The new generation Camry and RAV4 will also be making their first European show appearances, along with the new Yaris Y20 and Gazoo Racing-inspired Yaris GR Sport. Click here for a snapshot of what’s happening when the show opens next Tuesday.

Toyota hydrogen tech for European buses and Japanese trains

Toyota is to supply its hydrogen fuel cell technology to European bus manufacturer Caetano SA. The Portuguese company, a long-time Toyota partner, aims to have its first demonstrator vehicles on the road next year. Read more here.

Meanwhile, the company has also reached an initial agreement with a Japanese railway company to explore how hydrogen technology might be used in trains and the feasibility of locating new fuel stations on railway land. Read more here.

Toyota opens the world’s first “hybrid” skatepark

The Toyota Wheel Park in Rome is the world’s first “hybrid” skatepark, a place that’s open to all kinds of wheeled sports, from skateboarding and BMX to Wheelchair Moto Cross. The new venue in Rome is an expression of Toyota’s commitment to ever-better mobility for everyone and its Start Your Impossible challenge to recognise the opportunities mobility can bring. Read more here.

Two million Toyota hybrids on Europe’s roads

Toyota has sold its two millionth hybrid in Europe, a C-HR purchased by a Polish customer. Hybrid Toyota and Lexus sales have accelerated in the region and are on course to claim more than 50 per cent of the group’s new car sales before 2020. Read more here.

New press and social team faces

There are some new faces joining the Toyota and Lexus press and social media team. Graham Bothamley is already in post as the new Press Fleet Manager, responsible for co-ordinating all press test car booking, the heritage fleet and the smooth running of the press garage in Crawley. Read more here.

In the autumn the hugely experienced motoring journalist and editor Matt Burt will join the team as its new Head of Content and Publishing. Read more here.

Toyota Mobility Foundation calls for new proposals for hydrogen research

The Toyota Mobility Foundation is calling for research proposals from Japan under the Hydrogen Research Initiative launched last year. The goal is to find ways of using carbon-free hydrogen systems to promote sustainable mobility. Read more here.

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